How to Choose a Good Oboe Reed Supplier?

Oboe reeds play an important and indispensable role in making sure you play the tunes right. If you are starting out with Oboe, the first thing you need to make sure is that the reeds are not too hard. Something soft or medium-soft should work for you. In a market filled with different types and styles of reed, finding something that meets your unique demands is going to be slightly difficult. However, it is important you choose a good oboe reed supplier for the perfect reed for your needs. Let's get started with how.

Where to buy?

This is where you will need to start your search. Where should you go to buy the reeds. There are many suppliers available online and offline. You may even know the ones that sell the best kind of reeds to you.

You can always research into the supplier and make sure you have the best one on-board. However, even though you have chosen the same make and supplier from last time, chances are you would get a slightly different type of reed, as they tend to change with the climatic conditions and other aspects.

You may want to check into the hardness of the reed and also other physical considerations, and match it with what you have, before making the purchase.

The cost of the reed

The next thing you will need to consider when choosing a supplier is the cost of the reed. Yes, the reed cost varies as per the external factors and also according to the discounts offered by the supplier. Even the brand associated with the reed can affect the cost of the reed.

On an average, the price of the reeds is somewhere between 11 and 14 pounds. If you want a professional reed, then the price can go as high as 20 pounds. The level of professionalism also affects your reed purchase.

The life of a reed

Every supplier has a different version of the life of the reed. Some say it lasts over 6 weeks while, a few others claim it lasts for a few weeks, say less than 4. However, it is important for you to know the life of your reed, and how long it will last, before you make the decision. On an average, a good quality reed from an excellent brand and by a good supplier will last for around 4-6 weeks.

However, to extend the life of the reed, you need to take care of it properly. You should make sure you wash your hands and the mouth before you play the instrument. Make sure you clean the oboe and the reed with a clean and soft cloth regularly. Getting it serviced by the supplier is essential.

The final call on the supplier is made on the basis of the Oboe insurance. The choice of the insurance and the cover offered will help you decide on the supplier. You need to make sure the supplier offers a good deal and excellent cover with the insurance for the instrument.